ON THIS DAY IN 1969, THE ROLLING STONES PLAYED A FREE FESTIVAL IN HYDE PARK, LONDON

The gig, named The Stones in the Park, was organised by the band as a way of introducing their new guitarist, Mick Taylor. However, as usual for the Stones, things didn’t go to plan after the death of guitarist Brian Jones just two days earlier. This turned the event into a memorial of sorts, as Mick Jagger read a eulogy and released a sack full of white butterflies before the group played.

The festival was undoubtedly an important one, as the group had rarely played in the last two years due to difficulties with Brian Jones. Mick Jagger stated beforehand that he felt that the band was best live and he was keen to return to the stage. He also claimed making the festival free would make the experience more enjoyable for the attendees, though the costs were covered by selling exclusive television rights to Granada Television.

Also performing at the festival was King Crimson, Screw, Third Ear Band and more. Interestingly, King Crimson had yet to release an album and were hired on the strength of word-of-mouth. The Stones set is considered by many to be a poor performance due to out of tune guitars and lack of practice, though this caused more intense preparation for their next tour. Park rangers were concerned by the mess at the end of the gig, but impressed with the Stones commitment to clearing up, as well as their recruitment of fans to help, with the promise of a free LP for every full sack of rubbish returned.